Aspiration Pneumonia

What is Aspiration Pneumonia?

Simply Put

One of many potential complications of Myositis, especially for those with dysphagia, or trouble swallowing, is aspirating food, liquid, or even their own secretions into their lungs causing aspiration pneumonia. Myositis can cause the throat muscles to weaken thus making meal times difficult and sometimes dangerous.

Aspiration pneumonia, a complication of pulmonary aspiration, is a lung infection that develops after you aspirate (inhale) food, liquid, saliva, or vomit into your lungs. You can also aspirate food or liquid from your stomach that backs up into your esophagus. If you are not able to cough up the aspirated material, bacteria can grow in your lungs and cause a serious infection.

What increases my risk for aspiration pneumonia?

Your risk is highest if you have an inflammatory myopathy such as Inclusion Body Myositis, Polymyositis, and Dermatomyositis that has caused weakening of your swallowing muscles, dysphagia. You may not be able to swallow or cough well enough to expel aspirated foods and liquids. The following also increase your risk for aspiration pneumonia:

The muscles that help you swallow are weakened by myositis, stroke, Alzheimer disease, or other diseases

A weakened immune system caused by medications, diabetes, COPD, heart failure, or other health problems

Smoking cigarettes

Use of a feeding tube or ventilator that allows bacteria to travel to your lungs

Surgery or radiation to treat cancer of the head or neck

Poor oral hygiene, teeth that are missing, or dentures

Here are some signs and symptoms of aspiration pneumonia

Fever

A cough, which may or may not bring up mucus

Sputum (spit) that is pink or frothy

Bluish skin around your mouth or your fingertips

Trouble swallowing

Shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or noisy breathing

Chest pain or a rapid heartbeat

Confusion, fatigue, or changes in alertness

Voice changes such as gurgling and hoarseness

Loss of appetite or weight loss

How is aspiration pneumonia diagnosed?

It is common to aspirate but not know it. Your healthcare provider may diagnose aspiration pneumonia if you have symptoms and a history of swallowing problems. He or she will ask about your symptoms and when they started. He or she will look inside your mouth and down your throat, and listen to your heart and lungs. Your healthcare provider will ask you to speak and cough while he or she listens. Tell him or her about any health problems you have and any medicines you use. You may need any of the following tests:

Blood tests are used to find out if your white blood cell count is high. This can be a sign of infection.

A barium swallow may show if you have long-term swallowing problems. Your healthcare provider will watch you swallow different foods and liquids. You may be asked to drink a thick liquid called barium while healthcare providers take x-rays of your throat, esophagus, and lungs.

A sputum culture may be tested for bacteria that can cause pneumonia. Your healthcare provider may ask you to cough mucus into a cup, or he or she may suction mucus from your throat.

X-ray or CT pictures may show lung damage or an infection, such as swelling and fluid in your lungs. You may be given contrast liquid before the CT scan so your healthcare provider can see the pictures better. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.

How is aspiration pneumonia treated?

You may need any of the following:

Antibiotics are given to treat pneumonia caused by bacteria. You may be given antibiotics as pills or through your IV.

Steroids are given to reduce swelling in your lungs.

You may need extra oxygen if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. You may get oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils. Ask your healthcare provider before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing.

Aspiration Pneumonia is a cause of death for some myositis patients

While pneumonia is a serious infection, it has a relatively low mortality. However, for those with myositis, aspiration pneumonia can cause death. That is why it is so important to ensure you are doing all you can to avoid aspiration. It has an increased potential for sepsis which raises the risk of serious complication or death. Aspiration pneumonitis is a much more serious condition, with a mortality rate of up to 70%.

Aspiration pneumonia is a much more serious condition, with a mortality rate of up to 70%.

Ways to help prevent or manage aspiration pneumonia

Go to speech therapy as directed. A speech therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles you use to swallow. If you have been diagnosed with dysphagia, you may already be doing this.

Sit up while you eat. If you are bedridden, keep the head of your bed slightly up (at about a 30° to 45° angle) while you eat. Take small bites, eat slowly, and swallow with your chin down.

Eat soft foods and drink thickened liquids. A dietitian can teach you how to thicken your liquids so you have less trouble swallowing. Drink liquids through a straw or sip them from a spoon. Ask your dietitian what kinds of foods you should eat. They may suggest soft foods such as cooked cereal, pasta, well-cooked fruits and vegetables, and scrambled eggs. Your dietitian may also suggest moist, tender meats that are cut into small pieces.

Care for your teeth and mouth. Mouth care can help kill harmful bacteria in your mouth so you do not aspirate them. While you are sitting up, brush your teeth for 2 minutes daily after breakfast and again after dinner. Also, brush your tongue. If you do not have teeth, gently brush your gums with a soft toothbrush. Dentures should be removed and cleaned with an electric toothbrush and water after breakfast and dinner. Soak dentures overnight in a cleaning solution. Visit a dentist regularly to have your teeth and gums cleaned.

Limit or avoid taking sedatives. These medicines increase the risk of aspiration because they dry out your mouth and make you drowsy. If possible, avoid taking antihistamine medicines because they also make your mouth dry. (Be sure to discuss this with your doctor)

Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.

Speech pathologists are trained in swallowing disorders and are able to diagnose dysphagia using a few methods. First, they observe the patient to check for correct posture and oral movements during eating and drinking while also looking at the strength of the muscles involved in swallowing.

Speech pathologists may also order testing such as a modified barium swallow where the patient will eat or drink food that contains barium and then the swallowing process is viewed on X-ray. An endoscopic assessment, a lighted scope is inserted into the nose and then the swallow can be viewed on a screen, may also be ordered to help make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Once diagnosed with dysphagia, a speech pathologist will create a treatment plan that will include helpful information such as exercises to help improve muscle movement, positions and strategies to help make swallowing more effective and safe, and teach about specific food and liquid textures and consistencies to provide the patient with a diet that is easier to swallow and reducing chances of aspirating.

While these tips, exercises, and treatments may be helpful, it is also a good idea to learn the Heimlich maneuver and CPR. You can likely find classes in your area.

As a caregiver/care partner, if you are not able to be home during mealtimes, some tips to make you feel comfortable could include:

Signing up for a lifeline-type system that can automatically summon EMT’s in the event of an emergency.

Check with a neighbor or friend to see if they can be there during mealtimes.

Leave the front door unlocked if you are not going to be with your loved one during mealtimes or have a lock box installed and coordinate with your local EMT’s and Fire Company so they have a way to get in.

While dysphagia can be a serious complication of Myositis, there are many ways to help avoid choking, aspirating, and ways to even strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing. Seeing a speech pathologist is the best, first step!

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